In the book of Luke, Jesus tells the story of a father and his two sons. The story shares the love of a father for his son who decides to go his own way in the world. The story begins: And [Jesus] said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living (Luke 15:11-13).

After some time, the son decides that his life with his father was much better than the life he was now living. He decides to return home and beg his father to hire him as a slave. But his father would not hear of this. And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet (Luke 15:20-22).

The father could have easily turned his son away or even treated him as a slave. Instead he was so happy to see his wayward son that he threw a huge party for him.  This did not sit well with the second son. He was angry because he had done everything the father had asked him to do and was never treated in such a way. The father told his son the reasoning behind it all. And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ ” (Luke 15:31-32).

Why does Jesus tell this story? Because it resembles exactly what another Father does for each and everyone of us. Our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally and will welcome us back into His home with open arms even when we chose not to follow Him. God would even throw a feast for us if we returned to Him. We are heirs to His kingdom and we are part of His family.

Celebrate the joy that is your children. Teach them to follow the ways of God. If they chose not to, gently nudge them back in the right direction. Pray constantly for your children. Your Heavenly Father is there to help guide you when you need help. He loves you unconditionally and wants you to love your children unconditionally as well.